The Air Transport Auxiliary -- and the Women it Gave Wings

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The story of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) is an intriguing but largely forgotten chapter of European aviation history. It was a unique organisation, established in a moment of national crisis with an extraordinary mandate, an ambivalent status, and a distinctive ethos. By the end of the  war, it could also boast of an outstanding record of achievements.

 It also gave women the opportunity to fly the most modern aircraft of the age -- including the first jets.

 

From today's perspective, it may not seem the least bit odd that women were allowed to fly military aircraft. At the time, however, it was controversial and there was strong initial opposition to the notion. Furthermore, as soon as the crisis, i.e. the war, was over, women were removed from this kind of flying. It was not until 1994 that women were again allowed to fly the RAF's most innovative and advanced aircraft. 

Yet from 1940 to 1945, women pilots not only flew the RAF's front line aircraft -- from fighters to heavy bombers -- they were also awarded the same ranks, status, privileges and -- most unusually -- the same pay as their male colleagues. In short, they enjoyed substantially better conditions than the women serving in the womens' auxiliary services such as the WAAF, WRNs, and ATS. It was the unique status, corporate culture and enlightened leadership of the ATA that made the experiment with women pilots so successful. 

In a tribute to both the men and women of the all-but-forgotten ATA, I plan a series of short, bi-weekly posts on the inspiring story of this innovative institution that --- without fuss or fury -- made a contribution to defeating fascism in the Second World War.

 

A former ATA woman pilot is one of the leading female protagonists in the Bridge to Tomorrow Trilogy about the Berlin Airlift.  Find out more about the series at: https://helenapschrader.net/bridge-to-tomorrow/

Watch a video teaser here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7rS_Mwy3TU 

                                      

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